Magnificent Magnolias

The girls and I were out in the yard a couple of days ago enjoying this fabulous weather. Our magnolia trees are in bloom and to say they're gorgeous is an understatement. I had to take pictures of one we picked because if I told you they were bigger than Delainey's head, you would think I was exaggerating. I wish so bad that scratch and sniff computers were available because even as beautiful as these flowers are, they smell even more heavenly! They have a fragrance similar to that of a lemon, almost like lemon cookies. I love springtime!

My youngest daughter was not up for picture posing so I only got one with her and it didn't even include her face! My older daughter is rarely not in the mood to do pictures which is why there is a bazillion of her.

A Moment in A Family's Life

I just love what I get to do for families and can't talk about it enough sometimes. (sorry to be indulgent here) I love that my pictures get to define a moment in that family's life. It's like it solidifies and provides evidence of who they are. They get to see for themselves what everyone else sees in them and that is a special thing. I think it is a very small way I get to serve others.

This is one of our pastors and his family. They were so easy going and relaxed. I loved it! Here are a few of my favorite shots of my time with the Feil Family. Thank you for letting me share some of your afternoon. You guys were wonderful!

Beautiful Family, Beautiful Bonds

This lovely, lovely family gave me the chance to photograph them this afternoon. They are such a gentle and loving little clan. I enjoyed my time with them tremendously. It was so fun to watch the youngest one practice standing up and taking steps. His sister was vibrant and photogenic, as always. I especially enjoyed doing pictures of their parents together. So much warmth in such a young lineage. I hope you can sense the tenderness and affection in these images...

Monks Corner Wedding

I had the great opportunity to work with CVI Photography as a second shooter at another wedding in Monks Corner at the Old Santee Canal Park. Here is a slideshow of some of the many pictures I had the chance to capture.

For more pictures from this wedding click here to see Virgil's Blog of the event.

Partying with Pirates

This weekend we celebrated our son's 8th birthday with a pirate themed party. We had a treasure hunt, a cookout and lots of fun. Here are a few shots I took between hostessing and tying on bandannas.

The Beautiful Jessica

This is Jess, my younger cousin who is beautiful, smart, talented, athletic and just plain fun. She asked me to help her with her hair for prom. I couldn't do it on Prom night because I had a wedding in Greenville that same night. So, I did a practice run for her. I hope it goes well for her next week. She was stunning even in shorts and a T-shirt. Doesn't she have the best hair ever?

The Biggest Day in Sports!

Here in the lowcountry, the 1st Annual Helton Family Ping Pong Extravaganza was held at the home of a personal contact of mine.
Who was invited to the serious competition of many ages and both genders?
Was it ESPN? Sports Center? CNN? Local networks? No! It was I, Jaime Kesler, the elite photographer who received the invitation to attend the said event. It was stressful, but I managed to catch a glimpse of this impressive event on film. (okay, digital but you get the picture... no pun intended)

What is the best part of this type of competition that exudes physical athleticism and family fun? ...Is it:

The food?...


The wild spectators?:


The seriousness of the game?:


The aspiring younger players?:


The pressure?:


The groupies?:


The baby groupies?:


The extreme nature of the players?:


The crazy fans?:


The shock?:


The intensity?:


Seeing the softer side of the athletes?:


The heartbreak of defeat?:


The ferocious competitors?:


The beautiful female athletes?: (who says you can't be beautiful and tough?)


The men in their uniforms?:


The up and coming younger guys?:


The comeback from the underdogs?:


The fierce competition?:


The grace?:


The socks?:


The shoes?:


The raw emotion?:


or is it...
The T-shirts?: